Book launch "The Way of the Jackal": The Untold Story of Sri Lanka's Wild Dog

The book titled “The Way of the Jackal” authored by Ms Uthpalawarna Jayaweera, Professor Sampath Seneviratne and Mr Chandika Jayaratne, was presented to the Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne at the College House premises on May 29, 2024.
The Sri Lankan jackal is the only island subspecies of the Eurasian Golden Jackal across its range. Historically, it was even considered a species endemic to Sri Lanka. It is the sole wild dog on the island and stands as the third-largest carnivore present; only second to the charismatic Leopard and the sluggish Sloth Bear. These features already make it an iconic species, but for some reason, it has been overlooked. Photographers have missed its stunning moves, artists have forgotten to paint it, tourists hardly ask for sightings, and scientists failed to study it. Instead, the narrative of our Nariya is abandoned to folklore—a cunning, selfish creature, a forgotten soul that nobody really likes…
Written in plain language with over 100 colour photographs, The Way of the Jackal is a comprehensive review of the species, a monograph, focusing on wildlife enthusiasts, biologists and students alike. It provides a detailed description of our Jackal including its physical characteristics, behaviour, social life, and vocalization. It also provides field techniques to study the species, methods to mitigate conflict, and its potential as a high-value species in wildlife tourism.
By placing the Nariya of the rural folk in the limelight, this book will serve as a catalyst for awareness, research, conservation, and harnessing its economic potential for Sri Lanka.